


Prior to using software, once a client approved the design (presented as loose sketches and tight comps), we recreated it by drafting the framework of the layout on an illustration board (using a parallel ruler, T square, non-repro blue pencil, and a triangle).

I look back and can't imagine how we managed. In the dark ages BC (before computers), producing a color newsletter, for example, was a colossal undertaking that required a team of specialists with expensive equipment. The more creative and curious you are, the more powerful the tool becomes and the more striking and original your designs. Keep experimenting with whatever app or combination of tools you choose. Though Illustrator may not be as accessible as Corel, it endures as the professional vector graphics champ, and learning the program is a sound investment for heavy-use professionals. While CorelDRAW's forte is in the production and service bureau industry, you can produce astounding photo-realistic vector art and illustration using blends, gradients, and transparencies. In 1989, no one could have guessed that Photoshop would become the favorite front-end web design tool (with nods to Sketch and other capable newcomers). Adobe is constantly adding new capabilities to its industry-standard Illustrator software.įor example, while Photoshop is the go-to photo-editing tool, it also creates awesome photo-realistic text effects. However, as developers expand the software's functionality and as we evolve as designers, those original boundaries become harder to distinguish. Luckily, we have splendid tools at our disposal, each with its own place in the toolbox. The job titles of people who create them are similarly expansive: visual designer, user experience (UX) designer, user interface (UI) designer, information architect, web designer, illustrator, interaction designer, app designer, photo retoucher, animator, surface and pattern designer, type designer, and on and on.

Wherever you look, you see graphics of all kinds. (That's why the pricing in the table above looks odd.) Inkscape is completely free and open-source, but it forces you to do without some major creature comforts, like easy installation on macOS. Software features aside, one of your first decisions in choosing graphics software is how you want to pay: The two Adobe products included here are only available as part of the enormous Creative Cloud subscription suite, while you can get the Corel products for a one-time charge.
